Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A gorgeous ceremonial kris (keris) sword with a hand-carved wooden handle that features a pair of abstract anthropomorphic maskettes along the interior curve, with a brass spacer bulb with a light gold wash that is inset with faceted, colorless glass. The blade has a straight profile with a midrib down the center below a projecting hand guard. The beautiful nickel veins across the steel blade make mesmerizing patterns, and this type of steel is known as watered steel or wootz. The top of the wooden sheath features a dramatically flared guard protector, and the interior wooden blade housing is protected by a brass jacket with foliate motifs in repousse on one side. Kris swords, such as this example, serve a ceremonial and spiritual function. Size of blade: 14" L x 1" W (35.6 cm x 2.5 cm); in sheath: 20.375" L x 6.5" W (51.8 cm x 16.5 cm); quality of gold: 2.19%

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#149513

  • Condition: Spacer bulb is loose. Minor nicks to blade. Jacket is removable. Stable fissures to sheath below jacket. Patina on brass jacket and wood.

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March 11, 2021 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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